Overview & Reviews

One of America's most storied automotive brands, Dodge has been around since the early days of the auto industry. In the past couple of decades, it has revitalized itself to be a producer of aggressively styled and performance-oriented vehicles.

Two brothers, Horace and John Dodge, began the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicle company in 1914, after having worked as manufacturers of bicycles and automotive parts. Their first vehicle was a touring car that proved a fast favorite with car buyers; it was soon joined by a roadster and a four-door sedan. By 1917, the company's model line had grown to include trucks. Dodge cars and trucks were used as staff vehicles and ambulances in World War I.

Dodge was briefly owned by a banking firm and subsequently sold by its new owner to the Chrysler Corporation in 1928. From there, the brand slowly evolved into the division responsible for trucks and performance-oriented cars. Post WWII, Dodge introduced vehicles like the military-inspired Power Wagon truck, Hemi-powered Coronet and the Royal Lancer; in addition, the manufacturer began offering dealer-installed air-conditioning.

Vehicles like the Dodge Dart and the Coronet kept the manufacturer in American driveways throughout the 1960s. That decade also saw the launch of one of Dodge's most iconic vehicles, the Charger. Dodge's muscle car was based on the Coronet platform, and featured a fastback roof line, hidden headlamps and a full-width taillamp panel. Best of all, the Charger could pack one heck of a wallop under the hood. A 318-cubic-inch V8 was standard, but buyers seeking maximum brawn could upgrade to a 426-cubic-inch, 425-hp Hemi V8. The company also introduced a Mustang-fighting pony car, called the Challenger, in 1970.

As with other American auto manufacturers, Dodge's fortunes started to slip in the '70s due to changing tastes and increased competition. The company was saved from extinction in the early '80s thanks to government loans and the sales success of its Omni and Aries economy cars (the former an attempted copy of the VW Rabbit). But 1984 was when Dodge made its mark in the history books with the introduction of the wildly popular Caravan. Ideal for families and able to seat up to seven, the space-efficient Caravan started a whole new vehicle segment -- the minivan.

The early '90s saw the company wow the public with the V10-powered Viper roadster and an all-new Ram pickup that set a new standard for big-rig-like styling. A few years later, Dodge came to be part of DaimlerChrysler, a result of the merger of the German company Daimler (owner of Mercedes-Benz) and Chrysler.

The merger never really worked, however, and Daimler sold Chrysler and Dodge to a private equity firm in 2007. Soon after, America's economy slid into recession. Due to poor sales and debt, Chrysler had to declare bankruptcy. The federal government intervened and eventually Dodge came under control of Fiat, a European automaker known for its small cars, an area where Dodge's entries had been roundly criticized for mediocre build quality and unrefined performance.

More recent years have seen Dodge concentrate on the more practical vehicles in its lineup, making notable improvements to the performance and overall quality of its midsize Avenger sedan and Journey SUV entries. Dodge also spun off its truck line, making it a separate Ram brand. But make no mistake; Dodge is still considered Chrysler's performance division thanks to cars like the Challenger and Charger. Time will tell how successful Dodge's latest makeover is.

User Reviews:

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  I love my Intrepid - 1996 Dodge Intrepid
  By Joe Dow - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my "96"Intrepid for 7 years, and it has started for me every time I went out to start it. A while back we went on a trip and we averaged 29 miles to the gallon. This is why I am ordering a new one this year. I heard this was going to be the last year for the Intrepid, and I want a new one.

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  awsome car - 2003 Dodge Stratus
  By stever k - September 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream to drive. For the amount of money I paid for this car. Im 62" tall and this car fits me perfect. The 2.4L engine runs like a champ with the 5spd. I love the 32mpg on ave. A car this size getting that good of gas mileage. WOW!! I would not tell any one not to get this car..

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  Short Review: 03 Dodge Durango SLT Plus - 2003 Dodge Durango
  By mcmanial122 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  It looks cool on the inside, Powerful enough to pull just about anything, and all the seat controls the driver has are on the passenger side as well

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  Awesome - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Kim - September 18 - 3:20 am

  Ive only had my car for 5 days but it is just an incredible feeling to get behind the wheel of this car. So comfortable, solidly built, you feel safe, secure and at the same time stylish. I love everything about it!

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  Great Truck - 2002 Dodge Dakota
  By Jwiegold - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck new in February of last year and I have had NO problems with it. It is very comfortable and seems to be just the right size. I can fit motorcycles in the bed and even with a v-6 and automatic transmission it still has enough power to tow a trailer full of motorcycles through mountains. (It is equipped with the 3.92 rear axle ratio).

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  2003 Dakota QC 2WD 4.7L 5-45RFE - 2003 Dodge Dakota
  By Proud Dak QC Owner - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck after 4,500 miles. Other than for minor paint imperfections in the a few areas, there has been no problems. This unit has an automatic transmission with 3.92 drive ratio hence, harder on gas than with a 3.55 ratio. IMHO, wish the option of the Power Tech 4.7L HO engine was available. Price of added options are a little high.

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  Great Van - 1998 Dodge Caravan
  By rdot2112 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought the van new in Jan. 1998 and it has been fantastic. Looks good, drives great! Other then gas and routine maintenance, Ive never had to put a dime in to it.

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  Hot car - 2001 Dodge Stratus
  By KnightR/T - September 16 - 2:00 am

  If you want a fast car, that gets the looks from the ladies, the Stratus R/T is the right choice.

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  Performance with style - 2006 Dodge Charger
  By Phil - September 15 - 7:30 am

  I have had this car for a week now and each day Im more impressed. The exhaust is just noticable at idle and just loud enough when you step on it to make you smile. This car performs as a modern day muscle car should...Fast and smooth. I was looking at the RT and Daytona and am thrilled I waited for the SRT-8. The BEST performance value on the market!

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  Solar Yellow to my Eyes - 2003 Dodge Neon
  By sportster97 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 2003, 11 miles, Solar Yellow SXT 5spd at invoice and revieved what I wanted on trade-in. I just cant keep my eyes of the Solar Yellow paint. Interstate driving was smooth and enjoyable at 75mph. Stock stereo decent. Slate interior attractive. I found seats to be comfortable, and plenty of places to store items. Easy access in & out of the back seats. Plenty of trunk space. Keyless entry nice bonus. Will use Royal Purple synthetic oil @ 3000 miles to add years to engines life. Two thumbs up from me. :)